Behind every security clearance or classified program is a security officer maintaining that eligibility and keeping those classified programs safe.

The good news is that security clearance reforms baked into Trusted Workforce 2.0 are beginning to move the needle in the right direction regarding common issues like reciprocity and clearance processing times.

The bad news? New initiatives like Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) are coming fast and hot on the heels of security officers today.

Security professionals aren’t getting any younger – and they aren’t getting any more help regarding security training and management systems. Just 16% use third parties to assist with security training, and less than half (46%) use a security information management system.

In the wake of a recent news report that lapsed security clearances were an issue for more than 250 personnel involved in the Air Force One program, it’s a clear reminder that keeping track of personnel security records is a vital aspect of any security office.

(The Pentagon is seeking answers regarding Boeing aircraft employees who were found to be working on current and future Air Force One planes without the proper security clearance. Security credentials are needed for anyone working on aircraft that the president and the U.S. government will use. The Pentagon found about 250 Boeing employees had credentials that expired months or years ago. At least one case had credentials that expired seven years ago. All employees at one time did have the proper credentials to work on classified projects, so the Pentagon believed the problem would be quickly resolved. Courtesy of Straight Arrow News and YouTube. Posted on Mar 23, 2023.)

In a recent whitepaper sponsored by 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Champion and Returning 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program Premier Sponsor SIMS Software, which is widely recognized as the industry leader in security information management systems for the government and defense industries, reports that a shocking 2% of respondents reported using paper-based systems to keep track of their cleared personnel. 

Perhaps the biggest issue affecting the security workforce today is the one facing the overall national security community – an increasingly gray workforce.

While an enviable 72% of security professionals cited more than ten years of experience, there are fewer professionals today than in last year’s report citing six years or less of experience, which could signal fewer young professionals entering the profession.

Perhaps the worst issue facing security professionals today is the lack of those taking advantage of software and resources to assist them in their training and security clearance tracking efforts.

While more security officers report being in weekly contact with the C-suite, perhaps too few are taking advantage of the opportunity to advocate for more funds and resources to help them accomplish the mission.

Or if they are, those requests are not leading to a greater allocation of dollars.

SIMS Software sponsored the paper called ‘STATE OF THE FACILITY SECURITY OFFICER 2023‘ by ClearanceJobs, the largest security-cleared career network specializing in defense and intelligence jobs for professionals with security clearance.

“Security officers have a vital national security function,” shares Michael Struttmann, SIMS Software’s CEO.

“I think this is a clear area where security professionals need support, and where companies and their accountable Senior Management Officials can step up and provide the resourcing to ensure not just the security of programs, but the stability of their business in this critical compliance area.”

As Trusted Workforce 2.0 continues to roll out, there will be even more professionals within the government’s Continuous Vetting (CV) program and more opportunities for personnel to transfer between contracts.

That’s good news for business – but bad news for security, where paper-based systems and spreadsheets reign supreme.

In what is a clear sign that security officers are feeling the strain of tracking their personnel, there was an 8% uptick in the number of respondents who said they don’t have the technology necessary to do their jobs well.

When asked for more specifics, they cited a lack of investment in technology and manual tracking of employees as pain points in the process.

Security professionals today are under increasing pressure – improvements in the personnel security process also mean changes for security officers to embrace. Whether it’s DISS or NBIS, CV or reciprocity – new challenges (acronyms, and systems) just keep coming.

While it’s clear the C-suite is starting to take personnel vetting and facility security seriously, as evidenced by the number of respondents meeting weekly with their leadership, if those meetings aren’t also leading to resources for security to perform the job, a critical gap remains.

The other gap is in the number of respondents at the entry level. While experience is key, so is having enough new personnel to fill roles as more experienced professionals retire.

As the complexity and breadth of personnel security programs continue to grow, it needs the tools, resources, and staffing to address it.

To view the complete ClearanceJobs ‘STATE OF THE FACILITY SECURITY OFFICER 2023‘ whitepaper, go to https://about.clearancejobs.com/hubfs/pdfs/ClearanceJobs_FSO_0411.pdf.

(Learn More about SIMS Software in this AST Exclusive Interview with the company’s CEO and President, Michael Struttman. Courtesy of AST and YouTube.)

SIMS Software’s flagship software product, SIMS (Security Information Management System), has been the most trusted industrial security information management solution on the market for over 40 years.

Some of the world’s most renowned government agencies, defense contractors, high technology giants, academic institutions, and research facilities all rely on SIMS to protect classified and high-value information.

By equipping security stakeholders with the tools to protect the lifeblood of their organizations, SIMS Software is proud to play a vital role in advancing the interests of our nation and its allies at home and abroad.

To learn more, please visit https://simssoftware.com/.

SIMS Software Returns to Sponsor 2023  ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards

American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now entering its Eighth Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.

SIMS Software (First of Two)

Best Security Workforce Management Platform

• Security Information Management System

• SIMS Software is the leading provider of industrial security information management software to some of the world’s most renowned government agencies, defense contractors, high technology giants, academic institutions, and research facilities.

• For almost 40 years, the flagship product, Security Information Management System (SIMS), has been the most trusted solution on the market to protect classified and high-value information.

• As the role of a security professional continues to transform with increased responsibilities, evolving compliance requirements, and multifaceted, aggressive threats towards their organization, having a complete solution has never been more imperative.

• SIMS Software provides security professionals with powerful management-level metrics and a 360° view of their organization at their fingertips: reducing data calls, allowing for tracking of assets specific to the organizational requirements, and providing on-demand trend analysis for early detection and insider threat prevention.

• Purpose-built, SIMS provides all the features and functionality necessary to run a powerful, paperless industrial security program with a single system of record, and includes 17 fully integrated modules for a fully automated 360° view of every physical, virtual and human asset inside your security domain.

• SIMS manages visitors, classified contracts, information tracking, and control as well as personnel security clearance monitoring at all levels, and supports all National Industrial Security Operating Manual (NISPOM), Special Access Programs (SAP), and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) requirements.

• SIMS is a robust solution that supports the development costs and interoperability issues associated with in-house developed solutions, which are often more expensive and require in-demand IT resources, and has been designed to meet the hosting needs of all sizes and types of organizations offering both on-prem and cloud hosting options.

• Focused on evolving customer needs and government regulations, SIMS Software combines proven performance, consistent innovation, and unmatched customer service to deliver a uniquely powerful security information management system. By equipping security stakeholders with the tools to protect the lifeblood of their organizations, SIMS Software is proud to play a vital role in advancing the interests of our nation and its allies at home and abroad.

• SIMS provides all the features and functionality necessary to run a powerful, paperless industrial security program with a single system of record, so clients can escape the development costs and interoperability issues associated with in-house solutions.

SIMS Software (Second of Two)

Best Insider Threat Solution

• SIMS Insider Threat Tool Management System

• The proliferation of insider threats is a complex and persistent challenge for all national security stakeholders. From the surge in super-malicious personas to simple carelessness on the job, insider threats are pervasive and elusive and are increasing at an alarming rate.

• As the leader of industrial security information management for almost four decades, SIMS Software has elevated insider threat detection into a science, providing a fully automated 360° view of every physical, virtual, and human asset inside a security domain.

• Customers are provided with the technology tools necessary to see the risk landscape, so they can detect, deter, and mitigate insider threats, stay compliant with government requirements, and protect their high-value information and assets.

• Companies often operate in siloed cultures and practices across their organization which may interfere with information sharing, however, SIMS helps to break down those silos to harmonize data and see the patterns for a unique system-of-record for any compliance program where security operations, cyber security, and other functional areas such as HR and Risk Management can work together, share information and track insider threat cases.

• SIMS includes an Insider Threat Utility that empowers organizations to establish proprietary threat models based on their existing data and the risk indicators that matter most to each unique organization, so security professionals can view key metrics across the enterprise, track and catalog cases, view what was reported, investigated, and adjudicated to help the enterprise reduce risk and spot trends.

• From negligent or disgruntled employees to hostile nation-state actors, the costs and consequences of insider threats can be staggering. SIMS Software offers a strategic opportunity to deliver a genuine ROI for businesses, and saves organizations costly expenses by providing security stakeholders the opportunity to deter and mitigate, protect the company brand reputation, and retain customer trust.

• Focused on evolving customer needs and government regulations, SIMS Software combines proven performance, constant innovation, and unmatched customer service to deliver a uniquely powerful security information management system.

• SIMS supports all National Industrial Security Operating Manual (NISPOM), Special Access Programs (SAP), and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) requirements, and equips security stakeholders with the tools to protect the lifeblood of their organizations, speed detection, improve accuracy and stay ahead of the threat.

• *SIMS Software is a Returning Premier Sponsor for their Third Consecutive Year and was Recognized as an ASTORS’ Awards Champion in the 2021 ‘Homeland Security Awards Program.

The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program will highlight the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2023 and the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders. Because #MentorshipMatters.

So be on the lookout for exciting upcoming announcements of Speakers, Presenters, Book Signing Opportunities, and Attendees at the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon in November of 2023 in New York City!

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.

Comprehensive List of Categories Include:

Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?

Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher, at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

Homeland Security remains at the forefront of our national conversation as we experience an immigration crisis along our southern border and crime rates that are dramatically higher than before the Pandemic across the United States.

These challenges have become a national priority with an influx of investments in innovative new technologies and systems.

Enter American Security Today, the #1 publication and media platform in the Government Security and Homeland Security fields, with a circulation of over 75,000 readers and many tens of thousands more who visit our AST website at www.americansecuritytoday.com each month.

The pinnacle of the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony Luncheon Banquet, an exclusive, full-course plated meal event, in the heart of New York City.

The 2022 exclusive sold-out ‘ASTORS’ luncheon featured representatives of law enforcement, public safety, and industry leaders who came together to honor the selfless service of those who stand on the front lines and those who stand beside them – providing the capabilities and technologies to create a safer world for generations to come.

Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which came out in force to discuss comprehensive collaborations between private and public sectors that have led to the development of intelligence and technologies which serve to protect our nation.

The keynote address was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, who described the changes to CBP through the tragedy of 9/11 and the relentless commitment to its mission and ongoing investment in the latest technologies and innovations to protect our borders and Homeland.

The resounding theme of the DEAC’s remarks was her pride in the women and men of the CBP and their families who support them.

AST was also joined by Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton, who spoke about his love for the City of New York, the Profession of law enforcement to which he has dedicated his life, and for which he continues to drive thought leadership and innovation.

New York City Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Department Kenneth Corey, came out to address Luncheon attendees and shared some of his experiences and the changes in policing he’s witnessed over his more than three decades of service.

FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin honored the men and women of the FDNY, not only those who currently serve but all of those who have selflessly served, with special recognition of those lost on 9/11.

Chief Jardin spoke about the continuing health battle of many following 9/11 with cancer and respiratory disease, yet now knowing the full consequences, would not have made a different decision to respond.

As Chief Jardin noted, mission-driven service is the lifeblood of every firefighter, volunteer, and sworn member, and has been so throughout the history of the Fire Service.

Former head of the FBI’s active shooter program, Katherine Schweit joined AST to sign complimentary copies of her book, ‘STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis, thanks to the generosity of our 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Sponsors. 

The 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was Proudly Sponsored by NEC National Security Systems (NSS), ATI Systems, Automatic Systems of America, guardDog AI, Fortior Solutions, IPVideo Corporation, Rajant Corporation, RX Global, and SIMS Software!

We were pleased to welcome the esteemed New York City Fire Department (FDNY); the New York City Police Department (NYPD); and the NYC Hospital Police,  as well as Executive Management from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and many other DHS agencies, Federal law enforcement agencies, and private/public partnerships such as the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), the 30×30 Initiative, a coalition of professionals advancing the representation of women in policing; and Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) (rail safety advocates).

The prestigious Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program highlights the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.

In 2022 over 240 distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields.

Each year, to keep our communities safe and secure, security dealers, installers, integrators, and consultants, along with corporate, government, and law enforcement/first responder practitioners, convene in New York City to network, learn and evaluate the latest technologies and solutions from premier exhibiting brands at ISC East, the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management Expo (NDEM EXPO), and the ASIS NYC Expo.

ISC East is the Northeast’s leading security & public safety event, hosted in collaboration with sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA) and in partnership with ASIS NYC.

Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their Legacy of Wins, include:

Advanced Detection Technologies, AMAROK, ATI Systems, Axis Communications, Automatic Systems, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Cellbusters, CornellCookson, CyberArk  Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, High Rise Escape Systems, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Select Engineering Services LLC, Singlewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and West Virginia American Access Control Systems, just to name a few!

Why American Security Today?

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old-school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.

American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government as well as firms allied to the government.

American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.

Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications

AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals, in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.

‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’

AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.

Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.

These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local levels as well as from private firms allied to the government.

AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.

AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.

Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.

To learn more, please see the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2022 ‘A Year in Review.’

The Annual CHAMPIONS edition reviews ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.

The 2022 CHAMPIONS serves as your Go-To Source through the year for ‘The Best of 2022 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today – and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.

From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware, and Networking Security – to name a few), the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.

It also features guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders and recognized firms in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:

• Provides named sources
• Reported by more than one notable outlet
• Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos

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